In 2023, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer prohibited the use of Tik Tok on any equipment owned by the state. Nonetheless, the app is still allowed to be used by certain state agencies. Whitmer’s move was brought about by Biden's ban on Tik Tok on government-owned devices. The information-mining methods of the Chinese-owned app, which gave priority to child use and created privacy concerns regarding the owners' possible access to data from Tik Tok-connected devices, served as her main defense for taking this action. In return, she and the Michigan government may now relax, knowing that this preventive measure has kept their data safe from the Chinese authorities. Despite everything she has done with the app and her concerns, she still utilizes a specific "Tik Tok only phone" to access her active Tik Tok account. Although she expresses worries, she also notes that the app has significantly captured the attention of younger users, which is her primary motivation for utilizing it. Despite her distaste for the Chinese-owned software, she recognizes its significance for the well-being of our government and chooses to reach out to the young voters in hopes to keep them engaged with events going on in our political system.
My Take:
While I am an active Tik Tok user I have to say that Whitmer made good claims to her suspicion of the app and possible threats it might have towards our government while simultaneously defending it for the huge impact it has on the new generation of voters. I mean come on the government can hate it sure but with the amount of people using the platform everyday as their information source there must be aspects they can’t go without as Whitmer outlined. Social media is the new generations form of news stations. Without these media outlets the voter turnout will continue to shrink as Tik Tok in specific is almost the lifeline that the government has to keep young people engaged and voting.
My Question to You:
If you were in a government position and you had the option to ban Tik Tok on government phones would you? or would you allow the app on government devices? Why?
https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/michigan-governor-whitmer-explains-tiktok-use-as-app-is-banned-on-state-phones
Governor Whitmer's decision to ban TikTok from using state-owned equipment raises serious questions regarding data security and privacy, especially in light of the Chinese firm that owns TikTok and the possibility of data mining and sensitive information access. This action is in line with more general worries expressed by several nations about the security threats connected to some tech platforms owned by China. Whitmer did, however, highlight a problem facing legislators when she acknowledged TikTok's impact on the younger population and its ability as a tool for enlisting to young voters. Discussions about politics and political participation are significantly shaped by social media, particularly among younger individuals who may largely rely on these platforms for updated information and news. If I worked for the government and had to decide whether to ban or permit TikTok on official equipment, I would carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, security of data and delicate data safeguarding must be given top priority, particularly in government activities. TikTok's ban could reduce possible security risks and protect against breaches of information. On the other hand, encouraging social responsibility and voter involvement requires acknowledging TikTok's significance as an interaction and involvement tool, especially among younger people. Outright banning TikTok could make it more difficult for the administration to engage with younger voters and deliver essential details.
ReplyDeleteI think in this case, with this seemingly serious concern of information mining, I find that banning Tiktok from government phones is the safest option. I would assume these government phones hold some sort of sensitive data, so if the concern is protecting this data, then yes I think best bet would be to keep it off of these phones, but I would feel that that would be necessary for all social media apps as well. I like Governor Whitmer's approach, in that she has a separate phone which she uses for Tiktok's because regardless of how these politicians feel about the app, if they want to get in touch with the young voters, they must utilize the app.
ReplyDelete